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THE INCARNATION OF MERCY

Especially through His lifestyle and

through His actions, Jesus revealed that

love is present in the world in which we

live - an effective love, a love that

addresses itself to man and embraces

everything that makes up his humanity.

This love makes itself particularly noticed in

contact with suffering, injustice and poverty

- in contact with the whole historical

"human condition," which in various ways

manifests man's limitation and frailty, both

physical and moral. It is precisely the mode

and sphere in which love manifests itself

that in biblical language is called "mercy.“

- John Paul II, Dives in misericordia2

What is Compassion?

Definition:

“…a sensitivity to the suffering

of self and others, with a deep

commitment to try to relieve it.”The Dalai Lama (1995)

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Compassion4

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Definition:

“Mercy first means treating the wounds. When someone is wounded,

he needs this immediately, not tests such as the level of cholesterol and

one’s glycemic index.... But there’s a wound, treat the wound, and then we

can look at the results of the tests.”

Pope Francis’ Address to the parish priests of the diocese of Rome (6 March 2014)

What is Mercy?

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“True mercy takes the person into one’s care, listens to him attentively, approaches the situation with respect

and truth, and accompanies him on the journey of reconciliation... his

heart is capable of having

compassion, it is the heart of Christ!”

Pope Francis’ Address to the parish priests of the diocese of Rome (6 March 2014)

What is True Mercy?

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“... And how do we accompany and foster the journey of

holiness? Through pastoral suffering, which is a form of

mercy. What does pastoral suffering mean?

It means suffering for and with the person.”

Pope Francis’ Address to the parish priests of the diocese

of Rome (6 March 2014)

Mercy accompanies the journey of

holiness and makes it grow...

Components of Compassion

WARMTH

WARMTH WARMTH

WARMTH

Gilbert , 2009

Compassion Circle

Attributes Compassion to others

1. Sensitivity I would notice that the person was

distressed

2. Sympathy I would feel moved to help the person

3. Non-judgmental I would accept the person in their distress

4. Empathy The person’s feelings would make sense to

me

5. Distress

Tolerance

I would be able to tolerate being with the

person

6. Well-being The person’s well-being would be important

to me.

Ref: Professor Paul Gilbert, The Compassionate Mind. 9

• Identification with and understanding of

another’s situation, feelings, and motives.

• Trying to understand another person’s

experience; to put yourself in their shoes.

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EMPATHY

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Empathetic Listening…

• is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding and trust.

Benefits of Empathetic Listening: Builds trust and respect

Allows for emotional release

Reduces tensions

Uncovers “hidden” information

Creates a safe environment

Helps clarify parties’ thoughts

Aids understanding of context 12

How to Listen Empathetically

• Actively attempt to understand the other’s point of view

• Take in information without passing judgment

• Acknowledge the speaker

• Model empathetic practices

• Create a trusting environment

• Allow the expression of emotion and sharing of problems 13

EMPATHETIC LISTENING…SPECIFIC THINGS TO DO

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• Be attentive

• Be interested

• Be alert

• Create a positive atmosphere

• Allow the other to bounce ideas off of you

• Indicate you are listening

• Reflect your understanding back to the speaker

Empathetic Listening…Specific things to Avoid

DON’T:

• Change the subject

• Discount the speakers’ feelings

• Let the speaker “hook” you into an emotional exchange

• Interrupt

• Give advice

• Interrogate

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Man attains to the merciful love of God, His mercy, to the extent that he himself is interiorly transformed in the spirit of that love towards his neighbor.

- John Paul II, Dives in misericordia

THE CHURCH SEEKS TO PUT MERCY INTO PRACTICE